In tantric art, an image created must correspond to the original canonical text; any omission, error or oversight is attributed to imperfect absorption or considered a sign of slackening of attention. In such an event, the image is discarded and the process of composing is deferred.
The process of image-making is an yoga discipline in itself. It is also believed to lead to spiritual deliverance. This belief shifts the objective of art from being an end in itself to being the means of an end. The intention of the artist is to express fundamental truths which are constant for all, and not just his own 'personal' truth. His path thus is one of selfless action, where there is a total annihilation of the ego. In such an art, it comes as no surprise therefore, that the artist has always remained anonymous.
But it is not that the creative impulse of the artist is stifled. The artist while undertaking creative activity intuitively realizes that his own self-expression is part of a universal and collective expression as a whole. This underlying unity acts as an awesome catalyst, convincing him of the sacred nature of his activity, and prompts him to adopt universal symbols in his creations. The Shiva-linga for example, is a balancing of the masculine and feminine ways of the world. This archetypal symbol has been in existence even before the idea of history itself. The enduring popularity of its essential iconography is a pointer to its acceptance in the universal psychology.
Because of the vital nature of the task, ancient texts dwell at length on the qualities an artist must possess before he can embark on this spiritual journey. A tantric text for example, enumerates the following six essentials that a stone-carver must master:
The knowledge of stones.
The compositional diagram.
The carving and dressing of stone.
The arrangement of the various elements of a sculpture.
The representation of the essential mood-character of a piece.
The final integration of all its component parts.

The making of an iconographic image in Tantra art is considered the equivalent of the highest form of worship. This activity is seen as capable of opening up spiritual avenues for those who seek them. Accordingly the canonical texts set the highest standards for those who wish to traverse this path.

The art which has evolved out of tantra reveals an abundant variety of forms, varied inflections of tone and colors, graphic patterns, powerful symbols with personal and universal significance. It is especially intended to convey a knowledge evoking a higher level of perception, and tapping dormant sources of our awareness. This form of expression is not pursued like detached speculation to achieve mere aesthetic delight, but has a deeper meaning. Apart from aesthetic value, its real significance lies in its content, the meaning it conveys, and the philosophy of life it unravels. In this sense tantra art is visual metaphysics.

This article by Nitin Kumar

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